Gov. Christie's Bill Would Levy Hefty Fines Against Unprepared Utility Companies

Under governor's proposed legislation, utilities could face up to $25,000 per day in penalties for failing to adhere to their own service and communications plans.

Gov. Chris Christie wants utility companies held accountable for their emergency preparedness. Following the findings of a Board of Public Utilities (BPU) investigation released Wednesday, Christie proposed legislation empowering regulators to levy hefty fines against utilities.  The legislation raises potential administrative penalties against companies from $100 to $25,000 per daily assessment. Utility companies would be barred from passing along to ratepayers, Christie said. The bill prioritizes preparedness, according to Christie, requiring utility companies to provide detailed service delivery and communications plans to the BPU. Companies that fill to adequately follow their own plans will face the  $25,000 per day civil penalty for …

•  21 Comments
• Photos (1)

So Much to Say

12:31 pm on Friday, September 7, 2012

@Jenny Sigion Get with the picture...If the utilities get hefty fines, how do you think these files will be paid....BY US!..What's so difficult to understand. Bumpkin....LOL...cute but a stupid remark.   more ›

Direct from the Source

Freeholder Wants Governor to Address JCP&L Issues

Freeholder Vicari's letter to Christie complains about utility company's service, asks for better Ocean County representation to BPU

June 18 letter as submitted from Ocean County Freeholder Joseph Vicari: Dear Governor Christie: With the arrival of the summer season, I remain concerned about the ability of Jersey Central Power & Light Co. to provide reliable service not only to our year round population, but also to thousands more seasonal guests and businesses. I do not need to remind you of the problems our state, and specifically Ocean County faced last year in the wake of Hurricane Irene. More than 87,000 Ocean County businesses and residences lost power, many for more than a week. Our senior citizens suffered the most, and many businesses lost hundreds of thousands in lost revenue. As you recall, we spoke frequently about the problem last August when you phoned …

•  15 Comments
• Photos (1)

Vicari Echoes AARP's Call to Review JCP&L's Rates

Freeholder again calls for Ocean County representative on Board of Public Utilities

How much profit is enough? That's the question Ocean County Freeholder Joseph H. Vicari says needs to be answered, when it comes to JCP&L, and he offered his support of the demand by AARP for a rate review of the electric company. According to the Asbury Park Press, AARP added its request for a review to that of the state Division of Rate Counsel, which exists to challenge utility companies' rate increase requests. The rate counsel has said JCP&L may be earning more than it is entitled to, as a regulated company, estimating its profit at about $90 million. The electric company makes a profit on its base rate, which includes customer service, delivering electricity to homes and the infrastructure (power lines, etc.) by which that …

•  13 Comments
• Photos (1)